Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-09-24
VIRGINIA PROHIBtTIoNISrs.
Meeting OF the state Conference
Platform AdOpted-Exeeutiye
Committee Appointed.
TBy Telegraph 10 the Dlspstch.


STAUNToS, VA, September 23.-The
State Prohibition Conference met here
to day. One hundred and forty dele
gates, about one fourth colored. were
present, representing nine counties and
line cities. Hon. r.. e. Taylor, OF Lou
doun, a member of the National Prohi-
bition Executive Committee, called the
conference TO order, and in his opening
address declared that third party was
in Virginia TO stay.
Hon. W. j. Shelburne, Of Mont
Pomery, was elected temporary and
permanent chairman, and h. II. Bell,
Of Augusta, and J. A. Smith, OF Not
toway, secretaries. Short addresses
were delivered by J. Lloyd Thomas,
the State organizer, and Rev. Mr..
Young (colored) and others. After
the appointment of committees the
conference took a recess until 2 O'Clock.
The delegations embrace hitherto
prominent leaders of both political
parties, and the conference is q deter
pined and intelligent-looking body Of
men. Harmony and enthusiasm pre-
vailed.
The evening session of the confer
ence was principally occupied in dis
cussing a platform. Objection was
made TO the introduction of any issue
save prohibition, but by an overwhelm-
ing majority the objection YVES over
ruled and the platform, as reported, was
adopted.
The platform demands the prohibit
ton of the manufacture and sale OF
alcoholic beverages by State ana
national laws, and that such laws be
vitalizcd by tho party based upon
principle and uncOmpromisingly COM
mitted TO their enforcement. 1t de-
clarcs IN favor Of DISTINGUISHING men
who buy or sell votes and Of restrict
ing immigration declares for arbi-
tration and the ostablishmentof State
Labor Bureau to guard the safety Of
miners and manufacturing employees :;
fnvors giving mechanics first liens is
against further granting Of public lanl
eXccptby settlers fayOrsthc prevention
Of discrimination against farmersaud Of
discrimination III railroad rates ; favOrs
free schools and the Blair bill aud like
measures. On the State debt it de-
clares: eve believe the Democratic
and Republican parties have used the
State debt "a a distractingi issue in State
politics, and this shifting policy has de-
layed its settlement We believe Il
final settlement, mutually satisfactory
to the State and creditors, can be made,
and all legislation upon this matter
should be directed to that end"
The last plank reads We believe
the existing bossism and corruption in
political methods, the partisan adam
istration Of State affairs, and the mi
quitous interference in legislation by
corporation and liquor Hobbies have all
united to defeat the best interests OF
the Commonwealth. We therefore call
upon all good citizens to Join in an adj
ministration Of public affairs for the
good of the State rather than the bene-
fit of party.
The plan Of organization provides for
central committee of one hundred
and an executive committee OF one
from each congressional district. An
executive committee was elected, as
follows: J. 4. Russell, Accomack T.
NJ. Ramsey, Norfolk; j. b. Cren-
shaw, Eicbmond ; J. a. Smith, Motto
way J. NJ. Pace, Danyille; T. L.
Fishbunc, Roanoke; NJ. N. Sibert,
Rockingham William Foltz. Alexan-
dua; Dr. G. Bullard, Pulaski J. w.
Newton, Stanton, and Il. Ii. Fultz at
large.
After discussing measures to raise
money and talking over the proposed
establishment of a State organ the
conference adjourned sire die.